Tony Dorigo explains why Leeds substitute is offering more than player in starting XI

Tony Dorigo has told LUTV that he believes Eddie Nketiah has the ability to offer Leeds United more up front than Patrick Bamford is currently doing, as the debate continues over who should start up front.

Bamford has started the campaign well, netting four goals in seven Championship appearances. However, he failed to score against Barnsley and was replaced by Nketiah with 20 minutes left to play.

Nketiah came on to break the deadlock through a Kalvin Phillips free-kick, before winning a penalty in which Mateusz Klich rolled home. Nketiah has now scored four goals, twice in the Championship after similarly scoring a winner against Brentford.

Former Leeds and England defender Dorigo stated why Nketiah offers more than Bamford does, explaining that it is Nketiah’s pace that gives defenders more to think about up front – whether to go to feet or chase in behind.

“As a defender, I’d be worried as Nketiah can come to feet or go over the back. If you have two things to worry about, suddenly I give that extra half a yard, and that is when good players can play. He gets defenders thinking, and he’s a natural scorer.”

TBR’s view – Dorigo is spot on, and it is time for Nketiah to start

Dorigo’s explanation makes complete sense, and perhaps it is the reason why Leeds have profited and finally made the breakthrough when he has come on. Indeed, it was the reason why Leeds notched a second against Barnsley.

His ability to run in behind or come to feet made the Barnsley defence indecisive. It saw Nketiah get the wrong side of Halme, who inadvertently fouled him. That quality could be the difference, and it has proved as much already.

With Derby approaching fast on Saturday, Marcelon Bielsa has got to choose Nketiah over Bamford.